Population: 4 679.230 thousand people (2011)
Area: 82931.0 sq. km
South Carolina is called the Sabal Palm State. The territory of the state lies in the subtropical climate zone, with high humidity due to the Atlantic Ocean. The winter period is characterized by small sub-zero temperatures, mostly without snow – precipitation falls in the form of hail. South Carolina has up to 15 tornadoes annually.
The relief of the state is defined by plains that stretch from the coast to the hinterland. They pass into the Sandhills, which are replaced by the Piedmont Plateau. A small area in the northwest is occupied by the Blue Ridge Mountains with Mount Sassafras (1086 meters). In the mountainous regions there are dense mixed forests; closer to the Atlantic, subtropical vegetation prevails. South Carolina is the land of rivers. Savannah, Edisto, Cooper, Pee Dee and other rivers form winding deltas, bays and bays with islands off the coast, as well as wetlands.
Before colonization began, South Carolina was inhabited by the Kusabo and Yamasee tribes. In the middle of the 17th century, when English settlers began to arrive in America, the English king Charles I granted this territory to the English lords. In 1670, the first permanent settlement was founded, named after Charles I – Charles Town (later transformed into Charleston). At the same time, all the surrounding lands received the name Carolina. In 1729, Carolina was divided into two parts, and South Carolina received the status of a royal colony. In 1788, it became state number 8 of the newly formed state – the United States. South Carolina was an agricultural state that specialized in growing cotton. The plantations used slave labor, so South Carolina was the first state to secede from the United States during the Civil War, thus becoming the nucleus of the Confederacy.
The sights of South Carolina are mostly connected with nature. Mountain areas attract with their nature reserves (Caesaris Reed, Table Rock) and rafting routes. Other popular nature reserves are Sumter National Forest, Carolina Sandhills, and Congaree. On the coast, a strip of sandy beaches of the Grand Strand can be distinguished. Architectural objects are concentrated in Charleston – buildings of the colonial era have been preserved here, as well as the oldest US museum (1773).
CHARLESTON
Population: 128,000 thousand people (2013)
Area: 347.5 sq. km
Founded: 1670
Time zone: UTC-5, summer UTC-4
Altitude: 4 m
Nearest airport: Charleston
In the southeast of the state lies the city of Charleston occupying an area on a small peninsula between the mouths of the two rivers Cooper and Ashley. It has the status of the administrative center of the district of the same name and is a major port on the Atlantic coast. The territory of the city, in addition to land, includes water resources. The area is influenced by a humid subtropical climate with hot, rainy summers and mild winters. Precipitation falls here throughout the year. The highest summer temperature was recorded in 1985 when it reached +40 degrees. Hurricanes pose a threat to the population. One of these brought heavy losses in the early autumn of 1989, when most of the buildings were damaged.
The history of Charleston began in 1670, when the first English settlement was founded under the name “City of Charles”, given to him in honor of the then reigning British king. Ten years later, they decided to move it to a new place, where it is now. The basis of its economy in those days was the trade in indigo and rice, which was prosperous and gave great incomes. Until almost mid-1775, the city was the seat of the Governor of South Carolina. From the beginning of the 19th century until the middle of the 19th century, Charleston was actively developed due to the activities of the port, where cotton was transshipped.
Being the oldest city in the country, it attracts with architectural sights. Its old part with narrow streets resembles old English settlements. Charleston delights with an abundance of palm trees growing in each of its districts, beaches, nearby picturesque islands and the traditional cuisine of small restaurants, the menu of which offers a variety of seafood dishes. The coast of the city is actually divided into several parts. Warehouses rise in one, there are parking lots of ships, in the other there is an embankment with beautiful fountains, benches and shady alleys. Art galleries are notable for the French Quarter, which is located in the old part of the city, where the first buildings of the future settlement appeared in the 17th century.
Rock Hill, South Carolina
History and Climate of Rock Hill, South Carolina:
History: Rock Hill, South Carolina, has a history deeply rooted in the textile industry, education, and the pivotal events of the American Civil Rights Movement.
Early Settlement and Textile Industry: Rock Hill’s history dates back to the mid-19th century when the area was settled by Scotch-Irish and English immigrants. The town’s early development was closely tied to the textile industry. The establishment of the Rock Hill Cotton Factory in 1881 marked a significant step in the city’s industrialization.
Growth as a Textile Center: Throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Rock Hill continued to grow as a textile manufacturing center. Cotton mills, like the Rock Hill Printing and Finishing Company, played a central role in the city’s economy, attracting workers and contributing to its industrial character.
Educational Institutions: Education has been a cornerstone of Rock Hill’s identity. Winthrop University, founded in 1886 as a women’s college, became a prominent institution in the city. Winthrop played a crucial role in the community’s cultural and intellectual development.
Civil Rights Movement: Rock Hill gained national attention during the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s. The Friendship Nine, a group of African American students from Friendship Junior College, staged a sit-in at a segregated lunch counter in 1961. Their nonviolent protest and subsequent imprisonment drew attention to the injustices of segregation.
Integration and Progress: Rock Hill gradually moved towards desegregation, reflecting broader changes in the South. The city has since made strides in fostering a more inclusive and diverse community. The events of the Civil Rights Movement continue to be commemorated, emphasizing the city’s commitment to understanding its history.
Economic Diversification: Over the years, Rock Hill’s economy has diversified beyond textiles. The city has attracted a range of industries, including manufacturing, technology, and services. Knowledge Park, a downtown revitalization project, reflects efforts to create a vibrant and diverse economic landscape.
Recreational and Cultural Development: Rock Hill has invested in recreational and cultural amenities, enhancing the quality of life for residents. The city’s parks, including Glencairn Garden and Riverwalk, provide green spaces for outdoor activities. Cultural events, festivals, and the development of the Old Town area contribute to the city’s cultural vibrancy.
Climate: According to Justinshoes, Rock Hill experiences a humid subtropical climate, characterized by hot summers, mild winters, and moderate precipitation.
Summer (June-August): Summers in Rock Hill are warm, with average high temperatures ranging from the mid-80s to low 90s Fahrenheit. Humidity levels can be noticeable during this season. Summer is a time for outdoor activities, and residents often take advantage of the city’s parks and recreational facilities.
Fall (September-November): Fall brings a gradual cooling of temperatures, with average highs ranging from the mid-60s to mid-70s Fahrenheit. The changing foliage adds a touch of color to the landscape, making fall an attractive season for outdoor excursions and events.
Winter (December-February): Winters in Rock Hill are relatively mild, with average high temperatures ranging from the mid-40s to mid-50s Fahrenheit. While snowfall is infrequent, the city can experience occasional winter weather. Winter is a quieter season, and residents may engage in indoor cultural activities and holiday festivities.
Spring (March-May): Spring sees a gradual warming of temperatures, with average highs ranging from the mid-60s to mid-70s Fahrenheit. As flowers bloom and trees regain their foliage, Rock Hill experiences a renewal of life. Spring is an inviting time for outdoor activities, gardening, and community events.
The city’s location in the Piedmont region of South Carolina contributes to its relatively moderate climate. While summer heat and occasional winter weather events occur, Rock Hill generally enjoys a pleasant climate that supports a variety of outdoor and recreational pursuits throughout the year. The city’s commitment to cultural and economic development adds to its appeal as a place with a rich history and a promising future.
